Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a threat to bomb Oman if it interferes with a shipping agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement followed an incident where two Iranian drones targeted the prime minister’s office in Iraqi Kurdistan, authorities reported on Monday.

According to France24.com, the tensions in the region are escalating as diplomatic efforts continue. US negotiator and President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, engaged in a rare meeting with the Hamas chief on Sunday. This meeting was part of a new diplomatic initiative aimed at advancing the stalled Gaza ceasefire ahead of Kushner’s meeting with Israel’s prime minister. The Israeli leader is currently facing pressure after rejecting a new 15-point, US-backed roadmap.

Compounding the situation, an extremist Israeli lawmaker from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition sparked controversy by advocating for the killing of “30 to 40 people” in Gaza each night. These remarks, which emerged on Sunday, quickly circulated in Palestinian media, further intensifying tensions.

In related developments, the top US military commander in the Middle East commended the leadership of the USS Lincoln after visiting the sailors on the ship during a regional tour that concluded on Saturday. The US Central Command highlighted the commander’s praise for the long-deployed vessel’s crew.

Adding to the volatile atmosphere, Iran’s military announced a bounty equivalent to $30,000 for killing or capturing US soldiers, with the reward increasing if the act is carried out by a woman.